Whimsical Photo Design

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Little-Bitty Audrey

Last week, I met Audrey and her mom Lauri at the University of Washington campus to capture this little one on camera. She was such a trooper... for about 20 minutes. Then she was DONE with photos. But what we got in those 20 minutes was awesome!!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

More of Rachel & Eric

Rachel & Eric had a beautiful wedding on Saturday. It was so wonderful to watch two great people join their lives together in such a touching way. I was so honored to be part of the day.

One of the things that they did, which I love, was not see one another prior to the ceremony. While most photographers will disagree with me, I absolutely LOVE it when a couple waits to see each other for the first time as the bride steps down the aisle. That moment is unforgettable, raw, emotional, and incredible for all parties involved. It also makes for stunning pictures after the ceremony.

Immediately following their ceremony, Eric, Rachel and I stepped away for beautiful romantic portraits. I didn't have to do a thing other than give them their space, let them take in the totality of the moment and snap my camera. Everything else just happened.

First Married Kiss

See... you can't fake that kind of emotional moment!

The Love Birds... Aw...

Beautiful buttercup colored bouquet.

I only had to snap my camera and capture the pure joy of being married.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Just the teasers...

Saturday, April 26, 2008

The third back up shooter...or something like that.

I am Jason, the husband who also works on some of the behind the scene stuff and take the occasional photo as needed. I wanted to take a few moments and thank you for coming by and reading and getting to know Susan and her work. In the past couple of years, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Susan and the family endeavor grow. Make no mistake about she is very much in command, but its been neat that so many in the family take part in projects in some unique fashion or another. Particular ovation goes to her brother Steve, for his unbelievable work and advise on computer image work and lighting advice. I also wanted to thank Susan’s mom for her help including watching the “mabz”. As part of a team effort, it should be expected that other members of the team will check in and say hello on the blog. But just briefly, I wanted to let you know a little about my history and give you a little of my photography background. The reason for this is that we hear frequently from the “old school” photographers that say that we don’t know how to use a darkroom, that we don’t know how to use film, and that we lack any of that old technique. Whatever…And if “Mabz” didn’t read this and write occasionally, I had another term for it. I have spent years doing forensic photography in death investigation, fire investigation photography, and photojournalism with the likes of Wes Pope as a teacher (Chicago Tribune). I’ve spent days/nights in darkrooms fussing with film, chemistry, light, argh! And I appreciate it what is, what it offers, and we really know its limitations and capabilities. I am excited to say that we can bring all sorts of technology to a shoot from medium format film to high end, high speed digital imaging that undoubtedly we will continue to invest in and know how to use the finest digital imaging technology available…Its one thing to own the equipment, its entirely another to be able to use it. The point in this is simply, if you want to do photo work that pushes the envelope and just doesn’t appear on anyone’s mantle then this is us! I cannot give you any photo groups that can merge so many potential disciplines behind a shoot besides Whimsical. The people behind Susan are either qualified, experienced, or certified, in fire fighting, arson photography, crime scene and forensic documentation, aerial/satellite photography (GIS), non-visible light and infrared imaging, metallurgical and stress failure photography, modern reprographics and newspaper layout, and a whole lot more! So if you have a tough shoot, with bad lighting, unique circumstances, or other challenges that just don’t meet the capabilities of a “phonebook photographer”, then there’s a good chance we been there, done that, or can come up with the angle the works. I hope to see you someday in the field as I am the third back up photographer, or whatever Susan assigns me for the day. Here’s one of my photos from Beluga Point, Alaska, with the Alaska Railroad. Jason

Friday, April 25, 2008

The Sprinkler System

You should see my yard... I took some pictures with my cell phone camera (but honestly, I have no idea how to upload those to my computer!!), but it is a massive mess! We are having a sprinkler system installed!

The crews have been here since Monday and hopefully they finish everything today. It's been a massive undertaking since we live on almost an acre of land, but pretty soon our yard it going to be looking stellar! When we bought this house a couple of years ago, the yard needed some pretty serious attention. Last year we did a lot of lawn work, re-barked the entire yard, painted the deck and tore out a lot of dead shrubs and trees. So far this year, the lawn is looking good, we're planting some trees and flowers, we've got the flower/vegetable garden now planted and now the sprinkler system is installed.

Maggie just LOVES watching the Sprinkler Dudes (as I call them) working out in the front yard. She likes to walk out there and say "Hi" to each one of them, each morning they are here, and then she walks around taking the little marker flags out of the lawn and handing them to the guys. They think she's hilarious! Especially when she's banging on the windows to get their attention.

I haven't written a lot this week... I've just been busy!! I've had two shoots this week (pictures coming soon!) and I'm preparing for a really special wedding this weekend. I have the honor of shooting the wedding of Eric and Rachel. We did their engagement session a few weeks ago, but the big day is coming up tomorrow! It's quite exciting, but it's taken a ton of time to plan. Expect a few teasers from the wedding next week!!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Maggie the Toddler

It's been a while since I took any real personal pictures of my little darling (or destroyer... you pick the descriptor...) and grabbed this shot while she was on the porch of my parents new house the other day.

In looking at this picture it is plain to see that this child is no longer any type of baby; she is 100% toddler. From the temper tantrums, to the funny words and sayings, she is usually pretty darn cute. Don't let that cute innocent little smile fool you though. She knows how to work the cute angle very well; all the while plotting her next devious little move.

I miss the easy baby days... who knew that having a newborn was the easiest part of being a parent?!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Finn and the Green Wall

I met Finn and his mother Angela last week. Finn is just barely 6 months old, but a total cutie with a couple of teeth already! Mom loves the color green and painted Finn's nursery this awesome candy apple green color. It provided an awesome backdrop for us to play around.

Redesigned Website

Monday, April 14, 2008

Twins Charlie & Finn and their big brother Andy

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph my first set of twins! 7 month old Charlie and Finn were dolls the entire time I was there; laughing, playing, and rolling on the floor. Even though they are identical, Finn weighs four pounds more than Charlie. Within minutes of being with the two I could totally tell the two apart and both have such distinctly different personalities. It was so much fun playing with them!

Half way through our shoot, their big brother Andy woke up from a nap. While he was much more interested in watching the cars outside and playing with his cars inside, I still managed to get some great photographs.

Liz, Charlie, Finn & Andy - Thank you so much for inviting me over! I loved every minute!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Liam, Logan & The Cherry Blossoms

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to go out with Liam and Logan! They are the two cutest boys and we had a blast running around and playing in the University of Washington Quad and enjoying the spectacular cherry blossoms.

Liam was a total ham for the camera. We hit it off right away!

Logan was slightly less amused, at first, with the camera. However, he warmed up half way through and just like his brother did what he could to prove he could make funny faces!

I managed to get the brothers together... sort of. Logan wouldn't sit by Liam, but we could at least get them looking and smiling at the camera!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Wedding Day Photography Tips

Brides - Read this. Then print it out and read it again! Scarlett Lillian, a wedding photographer in Jacksonville, Florida, compiled a list of do's and don't photography tips for brides. It's such a great resource!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Blue-Eyed Ben

I met blue-eyed Ben yesterday. Ben is probably one of the most expressive 15-month olds I've ever met. Every time I took a shot, he had a different look on his face. He was so sweet, playful and happy the entire time! Of course, you can tell he has the most incredible big ice-blue eyes I've ever seen in my life. GORGEOUS!!!

I met Ben and his mom Jill at Lincoln Square in downtown Bellevue. It's the first time I've been there and I have to say it was fun. Chihuly glass displays, an awesome 3-story waterfall, cool shops, and a cozy Tully's Coffee... what more could you ask for?!

I've been blogged about! Whoo hoo!

Have you ordered your invitations for your wedding yet? If you haven't, you have to check out Ephemera Custom Letterpress. Tara works here in the greater Seattle area and her work is outstanding. I've never seen prettier invitations.

She featured the wedding invitations of great friends of mine, Amy & David on her blog today. She used the photographs I took at their wedding back in September. Have you seen a prettier bride??? Please check her site out! Let her know you found her link from here!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Wedding Planning Ideas!

It's been a hectic week. Our best friends Bill & Amber got married on Saturday. Jason was the best man and little Mabster was the beautiful flower girl. I'll blog more about the wedding this week. Suffice to say... we are a tired group here!!

So I was sitting back and catching up on one of my favorite/inspirational photographers, Jesssica Strickland, and she posted link to Snippet & Ink, a wedding planning blog. If you are a bride in the planning stages of your wedding, you HAVE to check this blog out. Not only does she post awesome photos from awesome weddings, but she puts together theme/color boards. They are beautiful and inspirational. Please check it out. You won't be disappointed.

About Me

Wife, mother, daughter, sister,
Photographer and friend.
I love to capture life on camera to preserve memories for myself and others. I love the technical challenge photography brings to my life and the artistic outlet it provides.
I live with my wonderful husband of 5 years, Jason (contributing blogger), and my beautiful daughter Maggie (aka The Mabster) in Olympia, WA. I specialize in weddings and other lifestyle portraiture.